Biosynthesis and bioactivity of Cynara cardunculus L. guaianolides and hydroxycinnamic acids: a genomic, biochemical and health-promoting perspective

authors	Ramos, PAB; Ferro, AM; Oliveira, MM; Goncalves, S; Freire, CSR; Silvestre, AJD; Duarte, MF
nationality	International
journal	PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS
author keywords	Biological activity; Chlorogenic acid; Cynara cardunculus L; Cynaropicrin; Genotype-phenotype association
keywords	ARTICHOKE LEAF EXTRACT; BREAST-CANCER RISK; SCOLYMUS L.; SESQUITERPENE LACTONE; CHLOROGENIC ACID; PHENOLIC-COMPOUNDS; GLOBE ARTICHOKE; ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY; BIOLOGICAL-ACTIVITIES; CAFFEOYLQUINIC ACIDS
abstract	Cynara cardunculus health benefits have aroused much interest, leading to the discovery of valuable bioactive compounds with a crucial role in plant defence. Guaianolides and hydroxycinnamic acids, mainly represented by cynaropicrin and chlorogenic acid, constitute the major secondary metabolites in leaves (9.5% and 10.4% dry weight, respectively). These compounds evidence biological activity, namely antioxidant, antitumoral, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial and anti-hyperlipidemic effects. Therefore, numerous efforts have been undertaken in this species to unveil the biosynthetic pathways of such compounds, by means of genomic and biochemical approaches, which could support advances, via breeding programs, in C. cardunculus chemical composition and, consequently, in the improvement of its extracts biological activity. Addressing this challenge, relevant genes in cynaropicrin biosynthesis, as well as in chlorogenic acid biosynthesis have been widely studied. The present review highlights the current knowledge on the biosynthesis and distribution of guaianolides and hydroxycinnamic acids, especially of cynaropicrin and chlorogenic acid in C. cardunculus, as well as their association with plant defence mechanisms and human health-promoting effects, prospecting the valorisation of this Mediterranean species as a potential source of bioactive compounds for food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical purposes.
publisher	SPRINGER
issn	1568-7767
isbn	1572-980X
year published	2019
volume	18
issue	2
beginning page	495
ending page	526
digital object identifier (doi)	10.1007/s11101-019-09604-4
web of science category	Plant Sciences
subject category	Plant Sciences
unique article identifier	WOS:000469243900006